Reactions of acids
3 marks · NormalExplain, in terms of proton transfer, what happens when sodium hydroxide reacts with nitric acid. Include the role of each substance as an acid or base.
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Common mistakes: Not referring to proton transfer; confusing which gives/accepts proton.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that nitric acid donates a proton (H+) to sodium hydroxide (or OH-).
B2 · 1 mark · States that sodium hydroxide (the base) accepts a proton (H+) from the acid.
B3 · 1 mark · Describes that an acid is a proton donor and a base is a proton acceptor (in context or definition).
Worked solution
Nitric acid acts as a proton donor (acid) and gives a proton (H+) to sodium hydroxide's hydroxide ion (OH-). Sodium hydroxide is the base: it accepts the proton. This forms water.